WORLD WAR II EUROPE

One quickly discovers these are the soundtracks from History Channel television programs (just like watching the tube with your eyes shut), but the audio content stands admirably on its own. Surrounded by loud music and exploding shells, many voices transform biographies and battles into the audio medium. Fritz Weaver's voice is spirited and stoic; author Stephen Ambrose has lots to say about D-Day. The content is well researched and accurate. It sums up an informative hour on German General Irvin Rommel by declaring him "honorable and decent." This collection of productions is a valuable reexamination of history that could not have been accepted 50 years ago. J.A.H. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 02]